Post on 26-May-2020
Supplement– Celebrating the Birth of Jesus
Joseph’s Journey
DISCUSSION
Materials: Bibles
Quest Connection
Although the Christmas story centers on the birth of our Savior, two other individuals
play key roles in this miraculous birth. Today’s lesson considers what God may be teach-
ing us through the lives of Mary and Joseph.
Procedure:
Let’s do some Scripture research to reconsider the calling of Joseph and his response.
1. Read Matthew 1:18-25. How would you describe Joseph based on these verses?
(Always listening to God. Willing to put down his own agenda for God’s. Always assuming
that God was leading him. These verses may hit you as very “factual” or reported in a journal-
istic fashion without much feeling. You may want to consider what role feelings have in obey-
ing God. Often we don’t feel like acting in obedience, but Joseph put down his own agenda
and took up God’s, regardless of his feelings. Consider how much of our lives are centered
around acting on our feelings, how the media and advertisement urges us to do what feels
good.)
2. Now read Matthew 2:13-23. What are some possible reasons why God may have spo-
ken to Joseph in dreams?
(It may have been a very practical issue. Because Joseph was a hard-working man, he may
have been weary and only able to receive God’s message as he slept. Whatever the reason, God
knows how each of us can best listen to His calling. Be open to discussing the possibility of
giving God our sleeping time as an avenue to creatively receiving His word. Caution, that if
we hear Him, as we sleep it will never contradict what He says in His word.)
3. In these two passages, Matthew repeats four times that these things happened so that
the words of the prophets might be fulfilled. Why did he want to emphasize this fact?
(In part to point us to the connection between the Old Testament and the New Testament, but
also to speak to the Jews of that time as a way of pointing them to Christ through their own
Scriptures. Fulfilled prophecies always point to the fact that God is faithful in keeping His
promises. Jesus was not an afterthought, but a reality from the dawning of time.)
Supplement-TA
Supplement– Celebrating the Birth of Jesus
4. What other observations can you make about Joseph and his relationship to God?
(He was loyal, kind, a leader, gentle in how he treated his wife.)
Close
This holiday season, take a closer look at the people involved in the actual birth of Christ.
What would it have been like to be in their sandals? Would you have been able to take
their place? Is your faith strong enough?
Supplement-TA
Supplement– Celebrating the Birth of Jesus
A Walk To Bethlehem
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Materials: Worksheet “A Walk to Bethlehem”, a light snack for class
Quest Connection
Procedure: Take your class for a mile walk. After the walk find a place for a brief discussion
and to enjoy the snack.
Can anyone tell me where Mary and Joseph traveled from to Bethlehem? (Nazareth)
How far was the trip? (approximately 80 miles) What do you think were some of their con-
cerns as they were traveling? (No family members around, a long trip by foot [note: there is no
mention of a donkey, but one may have been used.] No place to stay, no modern hospital facili-
ties, no mid-wife or doctor to help in the delivery process. Mary and Joseph were undoubtedly
young and inexperienced in how to handle many of these obstacles.)
Would you be able to make the eighty miles? We are going to do something in the next few
weeks to be able to understand just how long the journey was for Mary and Joseph.
(Pass out worksheets) I want you to take a look at a worksheet. You will see boxes. Over the
next few weeks, for every mile that you walk or any type of physical exercise that you do for
15 minutes, I want you to fill in a box. Let’s see how far we can get between now and
Christmas Eve. Challenge your family and friends to do the same! Since we have already
walked a mile, you can already fill in one square!
You can make this a church wide activity. You could have the students get pledges for every mile
that they do for a fund raiser. Let your imagination take over! Certificates could be awarded to
those who make the eighty miles!
Close
As you celebrate Jesus’ birth this year, really think about each part of the story. What were
the reactions and the sacrifices each person made? What does this holiday really mean to
you?
Close this activity with prayer.
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Supplement– Celebrating the Birth of Jesus
Mary’s Journey
DISCUSSION
Materials: Bibles
Quest Connection
Procedure: Look up the following verses and then discuss them as a large group or divide into
smaller groups.
Read Luke 1:26-38. How does Mary’s encounter with God’s message differ from Jo-
seph’s? How would you describe Mary based on these verses? (Mary had a direct face-to-
face encounter with an angel of the Lord rather than through a dream as she slept. These verses
speak about her feelings of fear, her willingness of heart, her humbleness as God’s “hand-
maiden.”)
Read Luke 1:46-55. This passage is often called the Song of Mary. What truths and char-
acteristics about God did Mary recognize and want to celebrate? (She recognizes His abil-
ity to save, His mercy, His Lordship, His might, His justice, His provision, His faithfulness
throughout all generations. You may want to consider how class members relate to these as-
pects of God today. How do we recognize God’s characteristics and celebrate them?)
Read Luke 2:1-7. Put yourself in the shoes of Mary and Joseph. What difficulties did they
experience as the fulfillment of God’s word came about? (No family members around, a
long trip by foot [note: there is no mention of a donkey, but one may have been used.] No place
to stay, no modern hospital facilities, no mid-wife or doctor to help in the delivery process.
Mary and Joseph were undoubtedly young and inexperienced in how to handle many of these
obstacles.)
Read Luke 2:21-24 and 39-40. After all the miraculous happenings, how do you think
Mary and Joseph may have felt at the end of this journey? (Possibly relieved, but possibly a
bit let down after living “on the run” for so long. Looking back at the events must have felt like
an adventure, a God-adventure. But sometimes the harder part of following God and sensing
His presence comes in the ordinary routine days of life.)
Close
Reread the Christmas story at least one more time, asking God to speak to you personally? What
words or phrases stick with you or jump out at you? Choose a verse or a phrase to keep in your
heart as a prayer this week. Be intentional in listening for God’s voice and sensing His presence.
Ask Him to speak to you throughout your ordinary days.
Supplement-TA
Much of the story of Mary and Joseph is a story of a journey. Consider your own spiritual journey. How would you describe your journey right now?
___ Just thinking about packing. ___ Considering the cost of the journey.
___ Enjoying the view. ___ Trying to find a shortcut. ___ Wondering if I’m there yet.
___ Taking a break at a rest stop. ___ Broken down on the side of the road. ___ Other ________________________________
Mary and Joseph had many challenges and obstacles to deal with as they responded to God’s call. What are some obstacles or objections you have
that keeps you from following God’s leadings?
WORKSHEET
Elementary